NYC Contractor License Fee Calculator

Estimate your New York City contractor license application or renewal fees based on license type and trade. Fees are set by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

Fee Formulas

DOB Licenses (General Contractor, Electrician, Plumber, etc.):

Total Fee = Application/Renewal Fee
           + Examination Fee (new applicants who sit exam)
           + Insurance/Bond Filing Fee (if applicable)

Home Improvement Contractor (DCWP) — Biennial License:

Workers = 0        → $100
Workers = 1–4      → $150
Workers = 5–9      → $200
Workers = 10–14    → $250
Workers = 15–19    → $300
Workers = 20+      → $400

Assumptions & References

  • DOB license fees are per NYC Administrative Code §28-401 and the DOB Fee Schedule (2024).
  • Home Improvement Contractor fees are per NYC Administrative Code §20-392 (DCWP), biennial (2-year) license.
  • Master Electrician / Master Plumber / Fire Suppression new application fee: $300; renewal: $150.
  • Special Electrician new: $150; renewal: $75.
  • Master Rigger / Sign Hanger / Oil Burner new: $150; renewal: $75.
  • Special Rigger / Sign Hanger new: $75; renewal: $40.
  • General Contractor (DOB) new & renewal: $100.
  • Examination fees apply to new applicants only and vary by trade ($100–$225).
  • Insurance/Bond filing fee: $30 (DOB trades requiring proof of insurance).
  • Fingerprinting fees (~$75–$100), late renewal penalties, and NYC surcharges are not included.
  • Fees subject to change; always confirm at nyc.gov/buildings or nyc.gov/dca.

In the network